[He remained seating as she rose, yet he was poised and tense as she came around to touch his arm then up to his shoulder. He lost sight of her as she moved behind him, yet he turned his head to the right as he felt her arms slide over his shoulders. It was then that he relaxed into her loose embrace, the trepidation fading as his daughter whispered her concerns into his ear.

While he had complete confidence in his ability to not lose focus on his priorities, he couldn't deny her points either. It hadn't been his lover's body at first to hold his attention beyond the scarring, but instead, he had been deeply curious of the tortured soul that was a fish out of water. When he had been at the bottom most point of his loneliness, it had been Richard he had gone to expecting nothing and receiving more than he ever bargained for.

He leaned back in his chair, into his daughter's draped arms and reached back with a hand until he could cup the back of her head. He was, perhaps, more free with some of his affection.] I won't let that happen, Jinx. We have found comfort in sharing some intimacy, nothing more, nothing less.

[He closed his eye, considering her question seriously.]

What I do here, I do for us, for you. Taking someone to my bed will not change that fact. I will not allow this addition whether it is short term or long term addle my mind so that I am neglectful of you.

[He was so determined on his own point of view of the world and himself that he didn't believe his foundation could be shaken.]